Horological Meandering

Hi all,

Just out of interest, I'm toying with the idea of buying a very nice movement that I really like (but I dislike the design of the watch itself), and getting a watchmaker to extract the movement and make a new watch out of it.

Just wondering if there are any watchmakers that are willing to do things like that?

I know a lot of Independents make new watches out of existing movements, but do they take a client-supplied movement to work on? Say Kari, Roger, or Romain, any chance?

Thanks in advance!

PS. It's just an idea out of the blue so it's not really a plan yet.

Sidney

The answer to your question I think is yes. If you wanted to take this idea to the next step and transform it into a plan, I think that you could find a watch maker to manufactor a watch for you around your choosen movement.

The RGM watch manufactor comes to mind, I remember reading on their site that the produce one of a kind watches for clients. Go take a look.

Best regards,

George

One Purist asked RGM to refurbish a Peseux 260 and place it into a new case.  Turned out beautifully.....

J

Ah yes, RGM is a good one on the list!

Thanks for reminding me about the Peseux 260 RGM did! Yes, that was indeed gorgeous!

NAWCC members who have built these for friends as projects. Generic cases and crowns are readily available and you can have the dial made to look any way you want, but still have it look vintage.

I'll post pix of my inexpensive project later today.
This message has been edited by mrsnak on 2011-01-22 09:13:42

Hmm, ok, I have absolutely no idea how to build a watch but nevetheless I'm very interested to see your hobby project! Thanks mrsnak!

I bought an already recased Elgin pocketwatch very inexpensively from an online auction. I recognized the 17 jewel Elgin movement (from 1927) to be quite special. These cases and different style crowns are readily available through watch supply houses. Even RGM buys generic cases/crowns (at least they used to).

The unfortunate part was the redial to make it "more Masonic" (Elgin did have a genuine connection to the Masons). The good thing for me was that they used the original dial and hands to do this so I didn't need to source new parts.

I took this to my watch guy who had coincidentally just finished restoring a genuine Elgin pocketwatch with the same movement. I liked the dial that he had done for it, so I told him to have my dial repainted with the same design, but obviously with a repositioned subdial. The result makes me quite happy. He cleaned the white off the hands quite nicely and now looks quite nice.

(Excuse the indoor non-flash lighting)

The good thing is that the entire project was so ridiculously inexpensive including the original purchase. Aside from the redial, with a little more confidence, I probably could have done this myself.

I have come across more than a few posts on other forums about people who found hobbiests in their local NAWCC chapters happily willing to recase their watches much the same way.















This message has been edited by mrsnak on 2011-01-22 18:34:48 This message has been edited by mrsnak on 2011-01-22 18:37:17

I wish i could stumble on this type of neat project.

Great result, I really like the simple straight forward style of the dial.

Best regards,

George

My "project" is a similar thing. The movement I'm considering was originally from a pocket watch, and like you, I'm thinking of making it a wrist watch.

Good to hear of your experience and how one can go about with ideas like this!

Thanks again for your info!

...I could have had the movement polished up. Lots of possibilities!

Question is whether you want the watchmaker to provide finishing to the movement.

Best, Horo

It'll depend on the watchmaker, Horo. If it's a watchmaker famous for quality of finish, then it might be an attractive option to have it re-finished as well.

I guess first stage is to compile a list of prospective watch makers that are open to customised projects like this, so just hoping to get some ideas from other guys with experience here instead of being an idiot and emailing all the watch makers Wouldn't mind a list with a wide-ranging price range to consider.

I admit it's not a project that I'm seeking to start soon though, as I already have one with the Habrings right now!

Thanks!

I have a similar idea, and have done some costings. But we need at least 5 guys in order to order a gold case at reasoonable costs.

Best Horo

I have visited Roland's atelier and know he does this kind of work and I would think at a reasonable price.  If you like engine turning and/or engraving his work is steller.  He and his work impresses me. 

I'll throw in Jochen Benzinger's name into the pot.  Although the case choices are limited his rose-turned dials are on par with RGM.  But he is typically known for transforming the movements themselves into works of art. A worthy suggestion.

Thanks David!